Founders’ Day Celebration Honors Loyal Supporters

By Tammy Whaley

Each February the University holds its Founders’ Day Celebration to honor friends and supporters of USC Upstate who have been instrumental in the development of the institution. This year was exceptionally special as we are celebrating the institution’s 40th anniversary.

“As we look at today’s campus and reflect on our humble beginnings, the sheer magnitude of our accomplishments is sometimes hard to fathom,” said Chancellor John Stockwell at the February 19 reception. “We owe our thanks to dedicated individuals, such as those we celebrate tonight, for believing in USC Upstate and leading the way for this University to become a driving force in the Upstate.”

Both the Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education and the Carolina Piedmont Foundation presented awards at Founders’ Day.

The Commission bestows its prestigious Founders’ Day Distinguished Service Award to friends and supporters of the University who have made special and important contributions to USC Upstate and to the community the University serves. Receiving the 2008 Distinguished Service Award were Joel Eugene (Gene) Adams, H. Spencer King and Toney J. Lister.

The Commission also presented two Awards for Distinguished Service in honor of long and distinguished careers of service to the University. Nancy Bailey, who retired as budget director and financial planner after a 27-year career, and Howard “Buddy” Nance, who retired from the facilities department after a 32-year career, received this award.

“The careers of Nancy and Buddy are both characterized by exceptional dedication, exceptional work ethic and persistent commitment to quality,” said Jim Smith ‘72, chairman of the Commission.

The Carolina Piedmont Foundation, the fundraising entity of the University, presented two awards at Founders’ Day. The Service Award, given to the individual who represents the very ideals of volunteerism and commitment, was presented to Karen Calhoun. The Foundation Award, given to the individual or organization that has provided exceptional philanthropic support, was presented to The JM Smith Foundation.

“The Foundation and the University are indeed blessed to have generous and supportive friends, such as Karen and The JM Smith Foundation, who work to ensure that our students have access to scholarships, facilities and technology,” said Mike Irvin, vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the Carolina Piedmont Foundation.